Expanded bit map display for mounting on a building surface and a method of creating same

ABSTRACT

An expanded bit map display (“EBMD”) ( 10 ) for displaying an image ( 14 ) and a method of creating such for mounting the EBMD ( 10 ) to a building surface ( 12 ) is provided. The EBMD ( 10 ) is a large-scale colored light display comprising a plurality of intelligent light fixtures ( 16 ) having a microprocessor and a memory and mounted to the building surface ( 12 ). Each light fixture ( 16 ) is separately addressable and operable to store lighting characteristics or information. Groups of light fixtures ( 16 ) are in communication with a central processor operable to communicate control protocol.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part and claims prioritybenefit, with regard to all common subject matter, of an earlier-filedU.S. patent application titled “AN EXPANDED BIT MAP DISPLAY FOR MOUNTINGON A BUILDING SURFACE AND A METHOD OF CREATING SAME”, Ser. No.10/848,222, filed May 18, 2004. The identified earlier-filed applicationis hereby incorporated by reference into the present application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to light displays for displaying an imageor a sequence of images on buildings or other surfaces. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to a large-scale light display formounting on a building surface comprising a plurality of light fixturesmounted directly to the building surface or via a mounting assembly. Thelight display is then operable to display an image or a sequence ofimages as a static or an animated image.

2. Description of the Related Art

Large-screen colored light display systems have become very popular andcan be found everywhere from sports arenas to outdoor commercial venues,such as Times Square in New York City. These display systems are oftenextremely large with display screens covering hundred to thousands ofsquare feet. The systems can receive both analog and digital input anddisplay animated and static pictures, including full motion pictures,still pictures, and computer graphics.

Such large-screen display systems commonly use a plurality of lightemitting diodes (“LEDs”) arranged in a uniform array on a thin screen.The LEDs are arranged in groups of three, with a red, a blue, and agreen LED forming a pixel. Together, the red, blue, and green LEDs canproduce a plurality of varying colors. The pixels are aligned in uniformrows and columns with a separation distance or pixel pitch of as littleas less than one inch. The pixel density is thus very large and caninclude density values of over 4,000 pixels per square yard. The screenon which the pixels are arrayed is also extremely thin and can be lessthan one inch thick. Because of the size of such display systems, theyare often mounted in interconnecting modules, which facilitates handlingand repair of the system. Many examples of popular large-screen displaysystems are sold by Sony Corp. under the trademark “JUMBOTRON.”

Large-screen display systems offer several disadvantages if placement ofthe display on a building surface is desired. First, the systems requirea screen on which to mount the LEDs. The screen, or plurality of smallermodular screens, is then mounted directly onto the building surface orinto a separate support and mounting structure. If mounted on thebuilding surface, the screen necessarily covers large sections of thebuilding. These covered sections may include windows or aestheticfeatures of the building, such that concealing these sections is notaesthetically pleasing.

Another disadvantage of large-screen display systems is the costinvolved in constructing and maintaining the displays. Although the costis largely dependent on the size of the system, large-scale systemsoften cost several million dollars to manufacture and install.Additionally, the systems require frequent and expensive maintenance.

Other light display systems for mounting on buildings or buildingsurfaces are also known in the art. Such display systems may includemultiple rows of light fixtures, with each light fixture including aplurality of LEDs (or configurations of red, green, and blue LEDs)mounted on the light fixture and arranged side-by-side at a distance ofapproximately less than one inch. The light fixtures are commonlyconfigured as a track or other linear, unitary assembly, and multiplestracks are mounted to the building surface to produce the row of lightfixtures. The light fixtures are usually at least one foot long andmultiple light fixtures are aligned end-to-end to produce each row ofthe display. Therefore, the multiple rows of the display must be mountedon locations of the building that do not include obstructions, windows,columns, pipes, or other types of irregularities that are commonlyinterspersed throughout a building surface's substrate. Otherwise, thelight fixture will cover the irregularities, which may either beimpossible if the irregularities jut out from the building surface, oraesthetically and functionally unwanted if the light fixtures cover awindow, for example.

An even further disadvantage of prior art large-screen display systemsis the required wiring and bus implementation for interconnectingindividual light fixtures to an intelligence source. Because prior artlarge-screen display systems do not use intelligent lighting, i.e.,light fixtures having an internal microprocessor and a memory, then eachlight fixture must be controlled via a remote intelligence source. Thisnecessarily increases the wiring that must interconnect the lightfixtures to the intelligence source. Such requirements are irrelevant inlarge-scale systems having common support surfaces on which and behindwhich the wires may be run, such as JUMBOTRONS. However, if the displayis to be mounted on a building surface without a common support, or evenif the display is to be mounted on a surface having a common support butstill requiring each light fixture to be separated by a relatively largedistance, then the wiring of such light fixtures is largelydeterminative of the type of images that can be displayed and of thecost, aesthetic, and actual, physical capability of wiring the display.

For example, it may be impractical, for either physical or cost reasons,to wire large-scale displays, even on a common support, to a singleintelligence source. Each light fixture requires three cables or wiresto extend therefrom for power and control of each color (red, green, andblue). Additionally, a common wire for providing power to the lightfixtures must be interconnected with all light fixtures. Therefore, agroup of ten fixtures may have as many as thirty-one wires extendingtherefrom and connected to a central intelligence source. Because eachlight fixture is not intelligent, the central intelligence source mustprovide sufficient processing speed to separately address and controleach light fixture. If multiple groups of light fixtures are needed,which is often necessary for large-scale displays, then the amount ofwires or cables required to intelligently control the fixtures can beupwards of three hundred ten wires for ten groups of ten light fixtures.Because large-scale displays may have several hundred light fixtures,the demands of aesthetically and logistically mounting the wires,especially if there is no common support for the light fixtures, must beconsidered.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved light display and method ofcreating such for mounting on a building surface that overcomes thelimitations of the prior art. More particularly, there is a need for alight display that does not require the light producing elements, suchas the LEDs, to be mounted to a screen or other uniform support so as tomount the LEDs to the building surface. Additionally, there is a needfor a light display that can mount to the building surface withoutcovering or interfering with the building surface's irregularities.Further, there is a need for a light display that can cost-effectivelydisplay a large-scale image on a building surface. There is also a needfor a large-scale display that limits the number of wires or cablesnecessary for controlling the light fixtures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves the above-described problems and provides adistinct advance in the art of light displays for mounting to a buildingsurface. More particularly, the present invention provides an expandedbit map display (“EBMD”) and a method of creating such that isconfigured to mount to a building surface and is operable to produceboth static and animated large-scale color light displays. The EBMD isbroadly comprised of a plurality of light fixtures configured to beindividually mounted, either directly or via a mounting assembly, to thebuilding surface. Therefore, the light fixtures are not mounted to auniform support, such as a screen, that is then mounted to the buildingsurface. Additionally, the light fixtures are not linked orinterconnected via a common support, such as the screen, or any othertype of unitary or semi-unitary system that interconnects the pluralityof light fixtures.

The method of the present invention broadly comprises the steps of (a)selecting a building surface on which to locate the display; (b)selecting at least one graphical image to be displayed, such as ananimated picture or scrolling text; (c) selecting a type of lightfixture to mount to the surface; (d) determining a plurality oflocations on the surface where a plurality of light fixtures can bemounted; (e) selecting from the plurality of locations where the lightfixtures can be mounted a plurality of optimal locations at which tomount the light fixtures for producing the selected image; (f) mountingthe light fixtures to the surface; (g) assigning lightingcharacteristics to each light fixture; and (h) determining an angularorientation of each light fixture for optimal viewing of the image froma pre-determined vantage point.

The EBMD of the present invention may be mounted on almost any buildingsurface, including indoor and outdoor building surfaces. The buildingsurface may include multiple irregularities, such as windows, air vents,pipes, columns, etc. that interfere with the generally uniformsubstrate, such as brick or concrete, of the building surface. Thepresent invention provides a method of determining where a plurality oflight fixtures may be mounted on the building surface withoutinterfering with the irregularities, yet still constructing a displaywith sufficient resolution and pixel pitch to produce a visually uniformimage.

Many factors may be considered in selecting the image displayed,including subjective preferences, such as a holiday or a season, alocation of the building, or a type of the building. Additionally,selection of the image should also be dependent on the size of thebuilding surface and a desired resolution of the image, which may thenbe dependent on a distance from which the image will be viewed and amaximum cost for the EBMD.

The type of light fixture selected may be dependent on several factors,including an environment of the building, i.e., whether the buildingsurface is inside or outside, the distance from which the display is tobe viewed, and a desired angle of illumination of the light fixture. Formost applications, the light fixtures used in the present inventionpreferably include light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) as the light producingelement.

The present invention individually mounts the light fixtures to thebuilding surface either directly or via the mounting assembly.Therefore, because the light fixtures are mounted individually, they canbe mounted in almost any location on the building surface that does notinterfere with the aesthetic or functional qualities of theirregularities. However, not all locations on the building surface areoptimal for mounting the light fixtures. Therefore, after determiningwhere the light fixtures can be mounted, it must then be determinedwhere the light fixtures may optimally be mounted.

Several factors are considered in determining where the light fixturesmay optimally be mounted, including whether the building surfaceincludes any existing structure that would facilitate mounting of thelight fixtures and thus decrease the overall cost of the EBMD, and whatlocation for the light fixtures will produce a proportional and balancedarray.

After determining where to mount the light fixtures, the light fixturesare then mounted to the building surface. Any known mounting assemblymay be used, and mounting assemblies may be specially configured formounting to the irregularities on certain building surfaces. Oncemounted to the surface, the light fixtures are controlled by a pluralityof DMX controllers and corresponding power/data supplies. The DMXcontrollers are in communication with and controlled by a centralprocessor.

After the light fixtures are mounted to the surface, the selected imageis designed using a bit map grid, which illustrates the location of eachlight fixture as a pixel. Based on the location of the light fixture inthe grid, the light fixture is assigned lighting characteristics, suchas color, intensity, and animation characteristics.

The final step in creating the EBMD is selecting and setting the angularorientation of each light fixture. The light fixture is preferablyoperable to rotate about two axes to orient the light fixture in adesired direction. Due to the size of the EBMD, it is common that notall light fixtures will be oriented in the same direction, especially onoutside building surfaces. Additionally, some light fixtures on the EBMDmay need to be oriented so as to not obstruct or interfere withirregularities on the building surface, such as light shining into awindow. Further, the light fixtures' orientation may be dependent onpreferred vantage points from which the EBMD will be viewed.

The EBMD of the present invention also incorporates intelligent lightfixtures that each include a microprocessor and a memory. Thisadvantageously reduces the number of required wires or cables necessaryto control the EBMD, thus reducing the cost of mounting the display to asurface, reducing the physical limitations of having multiple wiresinterconnecting the light fixtures to an intelligence source, andincreasing the aesthetic features of the EBMD.

The EBMD and method of creating such as described herein has numerousadvantages. For example, the EBMD may be mounted to the building surfacewithout use of a screen or other common support on which the lightfixtures must first be mounted. Thus, the light fixtures need not belinked or interconnected together via the common support. Additionally,the light fixtures of the EBMD may be irregularly spaced, such that adistance between the light fixtures is varied among the EBMD. Therefore,the locations at which the light fixtures can be mounted withoutinterfering with the irregularities of the building surface isincreased. Further, the light fixtures need not be placed end-to-end orside-by-side in order to produce a visually uniform image. Further yet,the present invention provides a cost-effective system for mounting alarge-scale display on a building surface.

These and other important aspects of the present invention are describedmore fully in the detailed description below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

First and second preferred embodiments of the present invention aredescribed in detail below with reference to the attached drawingfigures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an expanded bit map display (“EBMD”) ofthe first preferred embodiment of the present invention mounted on abuilding surface and displaying an image;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a light fixture and mounting assembly ofthe EBMD, particularly illustrating two axes of rotation of the lightfixture;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary isometric view of the building surface on whichthe EBMD is mounted, particularly illustrating a plurality ofirregularities and a spacing of the light fixtures on the buildingsurface;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a plurality of steps performed for creatingthe EBMD;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the light fixture mounted on the buildingsurface, particularly illustrating a track on the building surface inhorizontal cross-section and an angle of illumination of the lightfixture;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary front view of the building surface, particularlyillustrating the light fixtures mounted on the building surface in anoffset configuration;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the components of the EBMD;

FIG. 8 is an environmental view of the EBMD mounted on the buildingsurface and viewed from a vantage point; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a plurality of intelligentlight fixtures of the first preferred embodiment and their connection toa protocol and power hub and a central processor; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a plurality of intelligentlight fixtures of the second preferred embodiment and their connectionto an intelligent controller, a power hub, and a central processor.

The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specificembodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to the drawing figures, and particularly FIGS. 1-3, anexpanded bit map display (“EBMD”) 10 and a method of creating such formounting on a building surface 12 is shown. The EBMD or “display” 10 isa graphical image 14 of an animated picture, a scrolling text, or otherlight-driven show or a video or computer graphic image. The display 10comprises a plurality of arranged light fixtures 16 each representing apixel. The light fixtures 16 are individually mounted to, secured to, orotherwise coupled with the building surface 12, such as an outside faceor an internal wall of a building. The light fixtures 16 may then beinstructed to display the graphical image 14, as discussed in moredetail below. The invention is particularly adapted for placement of theEBMD 10 on irregular surfaces, wherein the surface provides or hasassociated with it a plurality of obstructions, protrusions, or otherirregularities 18, such as windows, columns, lettering, air vents orgrates, pipes, and/or other structural and architectural features.

A bit map is commonly referred to in the art as a graphical displaycomprising a plurality of rows and columns formed from a plurality ofdots. On a color computer monitor, for example, three dots illuminatingred, blue, and green converge to form a pixel. A graphical imagedisplayed on the color computer monitor is then formed from a pluralityof rows and columns of pixels, whereby the pixels are selectively lit toproduce the image. The multiple pixels are preferably spaced a distanceapart, known in the art as pixel pitch, such that when viewing thegraphical image on the computer monitor, the spaces between the pixelscannot be seen by the naked human eye. As can be appreciated, the morepixels positioned within a particular graphical area, the higher aresolution of the graphical image. The number of pixels positionedwithin the graphical area is referred to in the art as a density of thedisplay.

The present invention applies the above concepts to large-scalegraphical displays on irregular surfaces, such as the outside face ofthe building, by providing the method of creating the EBMD 10 broadlycomprising the steps of (a) selecting a building surface on which tolocate the display, referenced at step 20 in FIG. 4; (b) selecting atleast one graphical image to be displayed, such as an animated pictureor scrolling text, referenced at step 22; (c) selecting a type of lightfixture 16 to mount to the surface, referenced at step 24; (d)determining a plurality of locations on the surface where the lightfixtures 16 can be mounted, referenced at step 26; (e) selecting fromthe plurality of locations where the light fixtures 16 can be mounted aplurality of optimal locations at which to mount the light fixtures 16for producing the selected image, referenced at step 28; (f) mountingthe light fixtures 16 to the surface, referenced at step 30; (g)assigning lighting characteristics to each light fixture 16, referencedat step 32; and (h) determining an angular orientation of each lightfixture 16 for optimal viewing of the image from a pre-determinedvantage point, referenced at step 34.

The flow chart of FIG. 4 shows the functionality and operation of apreferred implementation of the present invention in more detail. Inthis regard, some of the blocks of the flow chart may occur out of theorder depicted in FIG. 4. For example, two blocks shown in succession inFIG. 4 may in fact be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocksmay sometimes be executed in the reverse order depending upon thefunctionality involved.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the present invention provides the advantageof mounting the EBMD 10 on almost any building surface 12, such as theoutside or inside surface of the building. For example, the outsidesurface of the building may include windows, lettering, such as may beused to identify a name of the building or a business housed within thebuilding, air vents, grates, pipes, columns, and numerous otherarchitectural and structural features. These features are generallyassociated with a substrate 36 of the building surface 12 and may becoupled to, secured to, or otherwise interspersed throughout thesubstrate 36. As such, the features all share the characteristic thatthey are common to the substrate 36, i.e., that they are associated withthe substrate 36. The substrate 36 of the outside surface may be, forexample, stone, brick, cement, or other suitable structural materials.The substrate 36 and the above features associated with the substrate 36form the building surface 12.

The above features also share the characteristic that they interferewith the continuity and uniformity of the substrate 36. Therefore, thefeatures are all irregular with respect to the substrate 36 and thus,must be accounted for in determining where the light fixtures 16 of thedisplay 10 can be located, as discussed in detail below. The featuresthat are associated with the substrate 36 will hereafter be referred toas “irregularities” 18.

Irregularities 18 associated with the substrate 36 are also found oninside surfaces of the building. For example, the inside surface mayinclude features such as windows, air vents or grates, molding, or otherstructural or architectural elements that jut out from the surface orinterfere with the generally uniform substrate 36. For the insidesurface, the substrate 36 may be sheet rock, cement, brick, or othersuitable structural materials. As with the outside surface, the featuresinterfering with the inside surface's substrate 36 are irregularities 18that must be accounted for in determining where the light fixtures 16can be located.

After selecting the building surface 12 on which to locate the display10, referenced at step 20, the at least one graphical image 14 to beviewed on the display 10 is selected, referenced at step 22. The EBMD 10is operable to display at least one graphical image 14 and preferablyseveral graphical images. The image 14 may be, for example, static,animated, scrolling, panned, or may include features such as flicker,shimmer, sparkle, and fade. The image 14 may be text, patterns ofcolors, or a picture, such as a flag, as illustrated in FIG. 1.Preferably, when more than one image 14 is selected, the selected images14 are displayed on the EBMD 10 as a sequence, such that each image 14is presented for approximately three to twenty seconds, although such arange is not intended as limiting. Hereafter, the term “image” isdefined as a single, static image or a sequence of images.

Additionally, the image 14 may be video driven, including analog video,such as NTSC, or digital video. Therefore, the EBMD 10 is operable todisplay not only images comprising swaths of color that are static oranimated, but the EBMD 10 can also display both analog and digitalvideo.

The image 14 to be displayed may be selected based on several subjectivepreferences, such as a season or a holiday during which the image 14 isto be displayed, a location of the building on which the display 10 isto be provided, a type of building, such as government or private, etc.Additional factors that should also be considered in selecting the image14 include the size of the surface on which the display 10 is to bemounted and a desired resolution for viewing of the image 14, asdescribed below.

The EBMD 10 of the present invention provides for a large-scale display.For example, on the outside surface of the building, the display 10 maybe several tens of feet, and perhaps even hundreds of feet, long andwide. Therefore, the image 14 displayed is intended to be viewed from alarge distance, such as several hundred feet to several miles away.Selection of the image 14 will be partially dictated by the area of thebuilding surface 12, and thus, the general length and width of the areamust be considered in determining what types of images 14 areappropriate for viewing on the display 10. For example, if the surface'swidth is much smaller as compared to the surface's height, then text ora flag as the selected image 14 may not produce a realistically scaledimage. In contrast, if the surface's height is much larger than thesurface's width, then elongated images, such as a Christmas tree, may bemore suitable.

Additionally, in selecting the image 14 to be displayed, the desiredresolution of the image 14 must be considered, which may be dependent onsuch factors as a distance from which the image 14 is to be viewed and amaximum cost for creating the EBMD 10. For example, if the buildingsurface 12 on which the image 14 is displayed is the inside surface, theimage 14 will likely not be viewed from as great a distance as if thebuilding surface 12 were the outside surface. Therefore, for the insidesurface, a density ratio may be greater than for the outside surface.The density ratio is the number of light fixtures 16 per a particulararea, such as a square foot. On the inside surface, the density ratiomay be, for example, four light fixtures 16 per square foot, whereas onthe outside surface, the density ratio may be only one light fixture persquare foot. This is because the density of the light fixtures 16 will,of course, affect the resolution of the image 14. Therefore, for animage viewed from a greater distance, such as for the image 14 displayedon the outside surface, less resolution may be required than for animage viewed from a shorter distance, such as for the image 14 displayedon the inside surface.

Because of the large-scale of the image 14 selected, hundreds, andperhaps even thousands, of light fixtures 16 may be required. Therefore,in determining the desired resolution for the image 14 to be displayed,a cost of the light fixtures 16 and a cost for mounting the lightfixtures 16 to the surface 12 must be considered. As can be appreciated,if an entity desiring to have the EBMD 10 located on its buildingspecifies a maximum cost of the EBMD 10, the number of light fixtures 16that can be used in the display 10 is greatly affected. Therefore, whendetermining the desired resolution of the image 14, the costs associatedwith the number of light fixtures 16 necessary to produce the desireresolution must be considered.

It is noted that the selection of the image 14 may also occur after step28 of mounting the light fixtures 16 to the surface. For example, it maybe that the light fixtures 16 are mounted to the surface and then theimage 14 is selected. Alternatively, the selection of the image 14referenced at step 28 may occur at any time during performance of themethod of the present invention.

After selecting the image 14 to be displayed, referenced at step 22, thetype of light fixture 16 to be mounted on the building surface 12 isdetermined, referenced at step 24. The type of light fixture 16 may bedependent on several factors, including the environment of the buildingsurface 12, i.e., inside surface or outside surface, the distance fromwhich the display 10 is to be viewed, and a desired angle ofillumination of the light fixture 16, referenced at numeral 38 in FIG.5. With respect to the environment of use of the display 10, if thebuilding surface 12 is the outside surface, then a light fixture thatcan withstand rain, temperature changes, wind, etc. is preferablyselected. The selected light fixture 16 is also preferably dependent onthe distance from which the image 14 is to be viewed. For example, ifthe surface 12 is the inside surface, then light fixtures 16 producingrelatively less intense light that is not as bright and that does notemanate as far as light fixtures for outside surfaces is preferable. Thepreferred light fixture 16 for the present invention is sold by ColorKinetics of Boston, Mass. under the trademark “COLORBURST 4.”

It is to be understood that reference to the “light fixture” 16throughout this specification is also deemed reference to any lightproducing element. Further, in some instances, the term “pixel” is usedto represent the a single point in the image 14, and thus, the lightfixture 16 may correspond to a pixel.

The angle of illumination 38 of the light fixture 16 is also animportant consideration. For example, light fixtures 16 havingincandescent bulbs “spill” light in all directions, producing more of ageneral glow about the bulb. In contrast, light fixtures 16 having lightemitting diodes (“LEDs”) project light along a certain pre-defined path.Therefore, LEDs are preferably used that have an angle of illumination38, i.e., the angle through which light emanates from the LED, definedthroughout a certain desired angle.

For the EBMD 10 of the present invention, use of the light fixture 16having LEDs is preferable for several reasons. First, the angle ofillumination 38 can be controlled, as described in more detail below.Second, the illumination life of the LED is much greater than for anincandescent bulb. Third, the LEDs are commonly more durable thanincandescent bulbs and not as prone to breakage. Although light fixtures16 having LEDs are preferable for the present invention, light fixtures16 having incandescent bulbs or other types of light producing elementsmay also be used. However, light fixtures 16 using LEDs will hereafterbe described, although such description is not intended to be limitingto light fixtures 16 using LEDs.

After selecting the type of light fixture 16 to be mounted to thesurface 12, referenced at step 24, a plurality of locations on thesurface 12 at which the light fixtures 16 can be mounted must bedetermined, referenced at step 26. Because the surface 12 includes thesubstrate 36 and interspersed irregularities 18, as described above,determining where the light fixtures 16 can be located must include thestep of accounting for the existing irregularities 18 associated withthe surface 12. Because the light fixtures 16 are individually mountedto the building surface 12, either directly or via a mounting assembly,as discussed below, mounting of each light fixture 16 does not requiremuch surface area. Thus, the light fixtures 16 can be mounted aroundirregularities 18 as needed and without interfering with the aestheticor functional qualities of the irregularities 18.

As described above, the irregularities 18 may be of many forms or types,including windows, columns, air vents, etc., as illustrated in FIG. 3.Some irregularities 18 may be uniformly distributed throughout thesubstrate 36 of the surface 12, such as windows, and otherirregularities 18 may occur within particular regions of the substrate36, such as air vents. Additionally, some structural or architecturalelements of the surface 12 may be more amenable to having light fixtures16 mounted thereon. For example, light fixtures 16 are preferably notmounted on windows for several reasons. First, the light emanating fromthe light fixture 16 may interfere with persons on an opposing side ofthe window. For example, if the light fixture 16 is mounted on a windowof the outside surface, the light emanating from the light fixture 16may interfere with the person inside the building. Second, the mountedlight fixture 16 on the window may not be aesthetically pleasing or mayinterfere with a view outside the window. For example, if the lightfixture 16 is mounted on a window on the inside or outside surface ofthe building, the light fixture 16 will obstruct the view of the personinside the building.

Because the irregularities 18 must be considered in mounting the lightfixtures 16, a size and location of those irregularities 18 that aregenerally uniformly interspersed throughout the substrate 36, such aswindows, are first considered. As with any bit map, the pixels or lightfixtures 16 are spaced a distance apart. With prior art bit maps, suchas displayed on the computer monitor or the large-screen “JUMBOTRON,”the pixels are often spaced generally uniformly such that the distanceseparating the pixels is substantially 1:1. For example, in a 1:1 ratio,a horizontal distance between each pixel is approximately the samedistance as a vertical distance between each pixel. Such uniformity isdesired so as to produce an image that is sufficiently visually blendedthat the distance separating the pixels does not interfere with theviewing of the image as a whole.

The EBMD 10 of the present invention, however, can produce visuallyblended images 14 using uneven distance separation between pixels, suchthat the pixels in the display 10 do not need to be spaced 1:1. Thisthen allows for the light fixtures 16 representing the pixels to bespaced unevenly on the building surface 12. Due to the large-scale sizeof the EBMD 10, the uneven pixel arrangement still produces an imagethat is visually uniform.

In more detail, the distance separating pixels may be two or more timesgreater than a width of the pixel itself. For example, the distancebetween two pixels positioned next to each other may be at least twotimes greater than the pixel's width. For the preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, the pixel separation distance is approximatelyseventeen times greater than the width of the pixel. However, Applicantshave determined that a pixel separation distance of at least two timesto at least fifty times greater than the pixel width is possible, with apixel separation distance of at least ten times to at least thirty timesthe pixel width preferred.

As can be appreciated, the pixel separation distance is dependent on thetype of light fixture 16 used, the desired resolution, the size of theEBMD 10, the distance from which the EBMD 10 is to be viewed, and thedesired image 14 to be produced. For example, larger-sized EBMDs 10 candisplay visually blended images with larger pixel separation distance.Additionally, if images 14 are to be displayed that do not requiretight, densely packed pixels, then large pixel separation distance maybe used. For example, if the image 14 is more of an effect, such aswaves of color, than a distinct picture, such as a Christmas tree, thenlarge pixel separation distance may be used. Irrespective of the size ofthe EBMD 10, It is preferred that the pixel separation distance is suchthat the display 10 appears contiguous or visually blended.

An angle of illumination of the light fixture 16 is also important indetermining the appropriate and minimum pixel separation distance. Forexample, light fixtures 16 having a larger angle of illumination spreadlight throughout a greater angle, thus requiring fewer pixels bepositioned within a selected area.

As can be appreciated, the irregularities 18 on the building surface 12may not always provide for uniform spacing of the light fixtures 16 orpixels. For example, in FIG. 3, windows having a horizontal width A areseparated throughout the substrate 36 by a horizontal distance B, wherethe distance A is greater than the horizontal distance B. Light fixtures16 positioned at opposite sides of each window are then separated byalternating horizontal distances A and B, providing uneven pixelseparation. However, even given the uneven pixel separation, the image14 produced on the display 10 is visually uniform.

In addition to uniformly distributed irregularities 18, irregularities18 that are located in only one area of the surface 12 or that arerandomly interspersed throughout the substrate 36 must also beconsidered. For example, if the irregularity 18 is the air vent, it mustfirst be determined if the light fixture 16 can be mounted on the airvent. If it cannot, then it must be determined where around the air ventthe light fixture 16 can be mounted. If there is a particular area ofthe surface 12 that is not conducive to having light fixtures 16 mountedthereon, then the image 14 must be selected accordingly. For mostbuildings, however, there will be at least some portion of the surface12 on which the light fixtures 16 may be mounted that will not interferewith the selected image 14. This is primarily because the light fixtures16 need not be uniformly spaced on the surface 12. The light fixtures 16may be spaced off-set from each other, as illustrated in FIG. 6, suchthat rows and columns of light fixtures 16 are not arrangedside-by-side. Alternatively, the light fixtures 16 may even be spacedrandomly, so long as the desired resolution for the image 14 isobtained.

Not all locations on the surface 12 that are amenable to having lightfixtures 16 mounted thereon are optimal for viewing of the selectedimage 14. For example, surrounding irregularities 18 jutting out fromthe building surface 12 may block the light emanating from the lightfixtures 16. Alternatively, some locations where light fixtures 16 canbe mounted may be outside the desired area for displaying the selectedimage 14.

Often, there will be numerous locations on the building surface 12 onwhich the light fixtures 16 can be mounted. Selection of where tooptimally locate the light fixtures 16, referenced at step 28, will thenbe primarily dependent on (1) whether the building surface 12 includesany existing structure that supports and facilitates mounting of thelight fixtures 16; and (2) what locations for the light fixtures 16 willproduce a proportional and balanced array.

Existing structure on the building surface 12 may facilitate mounting ofthe light fixtures 16 and thus decrease the overall cost necessary forcreating the EBMD 10. For example, in FIGS. 2 and 3, tracks 42 arepositioned on opposing sides of the window 18 and run vertically alongthe substrate 36. The tracks 42 are generally U-shaped and include apair of opposing flanges 44. Because the tracks 42 are particular to thebuilding surface 12 illustrated in FIG. 3, a mounting assembly 46 mustbe configured to couple with the tracks 42 and to mount the lightfixtures 16 to the building surface 12. The mounting assembly 46includes a plate 48, a pair of rotatable securing bars 50, and ajunction box 52, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5. The light fixture 16is secured to the junction box 52 via screws or other suitablefasteners, and the junction box 52 is secured to the plate 48 via screwsor other suitable fasteners. The rotatable securing bars 50 are securedto opposite ends of the plate 48. The plate 48 is sized to be positionedgenerally adjacent to the flanges 44 of the tracks 42. Once the plate 48is positioned against the flanges 44, the rotatable securing bars 50 canbe rotated generally horizontally to secure the plate 48 to the track42, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5.

Other mounting assemblies may be designed to couple with the particularexisting structures of building surfaces 12, and different mountingassemblies on the same EBMD 10 may even be needed. Therefore, whendetermining where the light fixtures 16 may optimally be located on thebuilding surface 12, existing structure, such as the above-describedtracks 42, should be considered. However, as can be appreciated, not allbuilding surfaces 12 will have existing structure that facilitatesmounting of the light fixtures 16, and such existing structure is notrequired for mounting the light fixtures 16 to the building surface 12.For example, the present invention provides that a mounting assembly formounting the light fixtures 16 can be secured directly to the buildingsurface 12, or alternatively, the light fixtures 16 may be directlymounted to the building surface 12.

If the building surface 12 includes existing structure supporting andfacilitating mounting of the light fixtures 16, using such structure maydecrease the overall cost of the EBMD 10. For example, the existingstructure may require fewer mounting assemblies, or the mountingassemblies used with the existing structure may be less cumbersome,include fewer parts, and be less expensive to manufacture. Additionally,using existing structure for mounting the light fixtures 16 may reduceany damage to the building surface 12, and preferably, mounting of thelight fixtures 16 does not damage the building surface 12.

A further consideration for selecting where the light fixtures 16 mayoptimally be mounted on the surface 12 includes determining the pixelpitch of the light fixtures 16. Recall that the pixel pitch is thedistance or separation between pixels or light fixtures 16. Although thedistance between the light fixtures 16 of the present invention need notbe 1:1 or even 2:1 or 3:1, a generally balanced and evenly proportionedarray for the light fixtures 16 is optimal. As such, because of the sizeof the display 10, even an array of light fixtures 16 that isirregularly-spaced will produce a suitably optimal image 14, as long asthe array is generally balanced and proportional. To be balanced andproportional, it is preferable that the density of the light fixtures 16within equally-sized regions be approximately the same. For example, forevery twenty square feet of surface area, it may be desired to have tenlight fixtures 16. Therefore, when viewing the area of the buildingsurface 12 for mounting of the display 10, it is preferable thatapproximately ten light fixtures 16 are mounted on every twenty squarefeet of building surface 12. However, the present invention allows forthe light fixtures 16 to be unevenly spaced when necessary while stillproducing the visually uniform image 14.

Additionally, it is preferable that a minimum and a maximum pixel pitchamong the light fixtures 16 is determined. The visual uniformity of theimage 14 may be affected if the pixel pitch is either too small or toolarge. Therefore, when determining where to optimally locate the lightfixtures, any minimum and maximum pixel pitches should be considered.

An even further consideration on where light fixtures 16 may optimallybe mounted on the inside surface includes consideration of ambient lightwithin the building from other light sources interfering with the lightemanating from the EBMD 10. Because the ambient light may affect theoverall viewing of the EBMD 10, selection of the optimal locations forplacement of the light fixtures 16 should account for any insidelighting.

After selecting the plurality of locations at which to mount the lightfixtures 16, referenced at step 28, the light fixtures 16 are mounted tothe building surface 12, referenced at step 30. The light fixtures 16are preferably individually mounted to the building surface 12, suchthat the light fixtures 16 are not linked or otherwise interconnectedvia a common support, such as a thin screen or any other type of unitaryor semi-unitary system that interconnects the light fixtures 16.

The light fixtures 16 may be mounted in any suitable manner and usingany suitable mounting assembly, such as the mounting assembly 46 inFIGS. 2 and 5. As described above, the mounting assembly 46 may beconfigured to couple with the existing structure of the building surface12, or alternatively, the light fixture 16 may be directly mounted tothe surface 12. Once mounted to the surface 12, the light fixtures 16are preferably electrically connected via a plurality of DMX controllers54 and corresponding power/data supplies 56, as illustrated in FIG. 7and as discussed in more detail below. Intelligent light controllersother than DMX controllers may also be used. Preferable power/datasupplies 56 are sold by Color Kinetics of Boston, Mass., model numberPDS-150e.

Each individual DMX controller 54 is connected to and controls theindividual power/data supply 56, which is then connected to at least oneand preferably ten light fixtures 16. A central processor 58 is incommunication with and controls each DMX controller 54. An examplecentral processor 58 is manufactured by Animated Lighting of OverlandPark, Kans. under the trademark “MONSTER BRAIN.” Multiple centralprocessors 58 may be required based on the number of light fixtures 16in operation.

Once the location of each light fixture 16 on the display 10 isselected, the selected image 14 may be designed using the bit map grid,which preferably illustrates each individual light fixture 16 as apixel. Based on the location of the pixels on the grid, each pixel isassigned lighting characteristics, such as color, intensity, andanimation characteristics, as referenced at step 32. If the image 14 tobe displayed is a flag, for example, specific pixels necessary fordisplaying the flag are selected for color and animation. Because thepresent invention can produce multi-colored images 14, the color of eachindividual pixel to produce the image 14 must be selected. Lastly, ifthe image 14 is to be animated, the type of animation must be selected.The image 14 may be animated using Animation Control Language (“ACL”)software, which is customized for producing animated lighting designs,although other suitable lighting animation software programs may beused.

After the light fixtures 16 have been mounted to the building surface 12and assigned their lighting characteristics, the optimal angularorientation of each light fixture 16 must be determined, referenced atstep 34. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the light fixture 16 is operable torotate about two axes. A first axis, referenced at letter A, isgenerally transverse to the junction box 52 and mounting assembly 46. Asecond axis, referenced at letter B, is positioned generally verticallythrough the light fixture 16. Due to the possible rotation about theaxes referenced at letters A and B, the light fixture 16 is operable tobe positioned in a plurality of viewing locations. This is especiallyadvantageous when setting the angular orientation of the light fixture16 for viewing in the display 10.

It is also noted that unlike incandescent bulbs, the intensity of thelight emanating from the LED is dependent on the direction towards whichthe LED is focused due to LEDs projecting light, as discussed above.Because LEDs project light, it is preferable to optimally orient thelight fixture having the LED so as to produce a display havingcharacteristics suitable for the environment in which the display 10 islocated.

Because of the size of the EBMD 10, it is possible that not all lightfixtures 16 will be oriented in the same direction. For example, it maybe desirable to orient light fixtures 16 positioned on outer edges ofthe EBMD 10 inwards towards a general center of the EBMD 10.Alternatively, it may be that some light fixtures 16 are positioned nearwindows interspersed throughout the building surface 12. It is thenpreferable to orient the light fixtures 16 such that the emanating lightdoes not interfere with or shine into windows on the building surface12.

A further consideration for orienting the light fixtures 16 is thedistance and preferred vantage points from which the EBMD 10 will beviewed. As noted above, for the inside surface, the EBMD 10 will likelynot be viewed from as far a distance as the EBMD 10 on the outsidesurface, nor will the EBMD 10 likely be as large as for the outsidesurface. Therefore, there may not be a need to orient the light fixtures16 surrounding the outer edge of the display 10 inwards to the generalcenter of the display 10 to create the focused image 14. However, it maybe that the room in which the inside surface is located includescolumns, walls, or other structural features that interfere with viewingof the display 10. Therefore, some light fixtures 16 may then beoriented to account for such obstacles in the room.

For outside surfaces especially, the EBMD 10 will likely be viewed fromseveral vantage points, such as a highway 60 as illustrated in FIG. 8,and these vantage points may be separated by large distances, such aseveral hundred feet to several miles. It is preferable that whenselecting the orientation of each light fixture 16, the viewing of theEBMD 10 from each vantage point is considered. For example, if themajority of the vantage points are positioned to a general left of theEBMD 10, then it is preferable that the light fixtures 16 are orientedtowards the left of the EBMD 10, as opposed to generally center or rightof the EBMD 10. The light emanating from the light fixtures 16 is thenfocused towards the left of the EBMD 10 and towards the vantage pointsfrom which the EBMD 10 will mostly be viewed.

Once the EBMD 10 is mounted onto the building surface 12, the overallaesthetic quality of the building surface 12 is preferablyuninterrupted. The light fixtures 16 preferably cannot be seen from evenrelatively short distances, such as two to three hundred feet.Additionally, the view into or out of the windows is not obstructed.Therefore, the light fixtures 16, and thus the EBMD 10, generally blendinto the building surface 12 to provide a display that is noticeable bythe passing public only when lit.

Because of the size of the EBMD 10, logistical concerns regardingmounting of the light fixtures 16 on the building surface 12 must beconsidered, and such concerns are unique to the EBMD 10 and itsfeatures. For example, due to the large distance between each lightfixture 16 or pixel, the wiring of the light fixtures 16 must be takeninto account. This is especially relevant given that the EBMD 10 doesnot necessarily include a common support on which wires or cables may bemounted or behind which wires may be hidden from view. Therefore, forboth aesthetic and functional reasons, multiple wires interconnectingthe light fixtures 16 to a power source and an intelligence source canbe very extensive if such a wiring protocol is required. The presentinvention forgoes many such logistical concerns by incorporatingintelligent light fixtures 16, each of which includes a microprocessor(not shown) and a memory (not shown) operable to receive and storelighting characteristics and information for the individual lightfixture 16. Thus, the present invention allows for individuallyaddressable light fixtures 16 for use in the large-scale EBMD 10.

As can be appreciated, if the light fixtures 16 are not intelligent,then data comprising lighting information and control instructions mustbe transferred across a larger bus than if the light fixtures 16 areintelligent. Therefore, the present invention requires either less buswidth or allows for more data to be transferred. Use of intelligentlight fixtures 16 in the large-scale display 10 also prevents havingonly one intelligence source driving multiple light fixtures 16. Thepresent invention thus allows for greater flexibility when determiningwhere the EBMD 10 may be mounted. Example intelligent light fixtures 16are sold by Color Kinetics of Boston, Mass.

Generally, each light fixture 16 may be controlled independently of theother light fixtures 16 in the EBMD, or alternatively, clusters of lightfixtures 16 may be controlled as a group, depending on the size of theEBMD 10, the image 14 to be displayed, and the desired wiringconfiguration. Therefore, the number of wires interconnecting the lightfixtures 16 with the power source 56 and the central processor 58, suchas the MONSTER BRAIN described above, is much less because the lightfixtures 16 need not also be connected to a separate intelligencesource.

In the preferred embodiment of the wiring configuration, eachintelligent light fixture 16 includes protocol intelligence 58, suchthat each light fixture 16 is operable to interpret its control protocolcommands communicated from the central processor 58, without firstconverting the control protocol via an intelligent controller, asdescribed below in a second preferred embodiment of the wiringconfiguration. Therefore, each light fixture is interconnected with aprotocol and power hub 62 that may be one unit, although such is notrequired. Additionally, each intelligent light fixture 16 is operable toreceive and store its address commands and assigned color commands, andtherefore, individual wires are not required to connect the lightfixture 16 to an intelligence source.

Because each light fixture 16 can communicate directly with the centralprocessor 58, the necessary hub size for controlling the plurality oflight fixtures 16 on the EBMD 10 is significantly reduced. Additionally,individual protocol hubs 62 may be located proximate to the lightfixtures 16. Further yet, because the light fixtures 16 of the preferredembodiment include protocol intelligence, a separate intelligentcontroller for converting the control protocol is not needed, asdiscussed above.

As particularly illustrated in FIG. 9, each intelligent light fixture 16has one cable 64 or wire extending therefrom, with the cable 64 beingoperable to provide power to the light fixture 16 and carry controlcommands to/from the light fixture 16. Preferably, approximately tenlight fixtures 16 are interconnected in a star configuration in a groupor cluster, although more or less light fixtures 16 may beinterconnected based on positioning on the EBMD 10, processing speed ofeach light fixture 16, and other requirements known to those in the art.For each group of interconnected light fixtures 16, each cable 64extending from each light fixture 16 is connected to the protocol andpower hub 62 described above. More than one group of interconnectedlight fixtures 16 may be connected to the protocol and power hub 62, asnecessitated by positioning on the EBMD 10, capacity of the hub 62, andother known factors. Each hub 62 is then connected to the centralprocessor 58 discussed above. Alternatively, multiple hubs 62 may beconnected to the central processor 58, and multiple central processors58 may be used as needed based on the size of the EBMD 10.

In sum, for each group of light fixtures 16 comprising ten fixtures 16,only ten cables 64 are connected to the hub 62. This is significantlyless cables 64 as are required in prior art displays that do notincorporate intelligent light fixtures 16. Because the large-scale EBMD10 can comprise several hundred light fixtures 16, reducing the numberof cables 64 from three cables to one cable 64 provides increasedversatility for locating and mounting the EBMD 10 and allows for fasterand more elaborate animation with increased processing speed andcontrol.

In the second preferred embodiment of the present invention illustratedin FIG. 10, each intelligent light fixture 116 on an EBMD 110,substantially similar to the intelligent light fixtures 16 and EBMD 10of the first preferred embodiment, is connected to three wires or cables164. A first cable 166 provides power (labeled as “power”) to each lightfixture 116 and is connected to a power source 156. A second cable 168(labeled as “common”) is the data/power common for the light fixtures116 and provides power and data return and is also connected to thepower source 156. A third cable 170 communicates control protocolto/from the light fixture 116. A group of ten light fixtures 116 areinterconnected in a parallel configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 10.

In the second preferred embodiment, a central processor 158 is notoperable to communicate control protocol directly to each light fixture116, and thus, an intelligent controller 154, such as a DMX controller,operable to convert the control protocol so as to be understandable bythe intelligent light fixture 116 is required. Therefore, each lightfixture 116 is in communication with the intelligent controller 154 anda protocol hub 162, the power source 156, and the central processor 158,each of which is substantially similar to the protocol hub 62, powersource 56, and central processor 58 of the first preferred embodiment.Each of the intelligent controller 154, protocol hub 162, power source156, and central processor 158 may be separate units or may be combinedas a single unit or multiple units, as is well known in the art.

As also described for the first preferred embodiment, the EBMD 110 mayinclude several hundred light fixtures 116, such that multiple groups orclusters of light fixtures 116 are connected to the central processor158. As such, multiple protocol hubs 162 and intelligent controllers 154may be required for the multiple groups of light fixtures 16.

Although the invention has been described with reference to thepreferred embodiment illustrated in the attached drawing figures, it isnoted that equivalents may be employed and substitutions made hereinwithout departing from the scope of the invention as recited in theclaims. For example, as noted above, the mounting assembly for mountingthe light fixtures 16 to the surface 12 may differ for each buildingsurface 12 and even for varying sections on the same building surface12. The mounting assembly is preferably operable to mount one lightfixture 16, although one mounting assembly may be operable to mount morethan one light fixture 16 if desired. Additionally, the light fixture 16mounted to the surface may differ from the light fixture 16 describedabove, depending on cost, the type of building surface 12, i.e., insideor outside surface, and subjective preferences, such as desiredmanufacturers, size and aesthetic appeal of the light fixture, etc. Aneven further alternative to the preferred embodiment described aboveprovides for the light fixtures 16 to be interconnected together viaelectrical wiring or other connection means not requiring a commonsupport.

1. An expanded bit map display (“EBMD”) for mounting on a buildingsurface having a plurality of irregularities associated therewith, theEBMD operable to display a plurality of images on the building surfacefor viewing from a distance, the EBMD comprising: a plurality of lightfixtures mounted to the building surface without use of a substratecommon to all of the light fixtures or a plurality of interconnectedmodular substrates, wherein the plurality of light fixtures is mountedto the building surface in an irregular pattern to account for theirregularities on the building surface so that, for at least a portionof the plurality of light fixtures, a horizontal distance and a verticaldistance between a first light fixture and any adjacent light fixtureare approximately unequal, such that the portion of the plurality oflight fixtures is mounted to the surface in a non-uniformly spacedconfiguration, wherein the plurality of light fixtures presents adensity ratio of light fixtures per unit area of the building surface,wherein a first portion of the plurality of light fixtures has adifferent angular orientation than a second portion of the plurality oflight fixtures so that light emitted from the first portion of theplurality of light fixtures is angled in a different direction thatlight emitted from the second portion of the plurality of lightfixtures, and wherein when viewed from the distance, a selected one ofthe plurality of images displayed by the EBMD is generally uniform; aprotocol hub operable to communicate control protocol to each lightfixture; and a central processor in communication with the protocol huband operable to communicate control protocol to each light fixture viathe protocol hub, such that when the plurality of light fixtures aremounted to the building surface and controlled via the centralprocessor, the light fixtures are operable to produce the selectedimage.
 2. The EBMD as claimed in claim 1, further comprising anintelligent controller operable to convert the control protocolcommunicated from the central processor so as to be understandable bythe light fixture.
 3. The EBMD as claimed in claim 2, wherein theintelligent controller and the protocol hub are a single unit.
 4. TheEBMD as claimed in claim 1, wherein the building surface has theplurality of irregularities interspersed therethrough.
 5. The EBMD asclaimed in claim 4, wherein the irregularities are selected from thegroup consisting of: windows, vents, lettering, and pipes.
 6. The EBMDas claimed in claim 3, wherein each light fixture includes at least onelight emitting diode.
 7. The EBMD as claimed in claim 3, wherein thelighting characteristics include a color and an animationcharacteristic.
 8. The EBMD as claimed in claim 1, wherein each lightfixture is mounted to the surface without permanent destruction of thesurface.
 9. A method of displaying a plurality of images on a surfacehaving a plurality irregularities associated therewith, the methodcomprising the steps of: mounting a plurality of light fixtures to thesurface without use of a substrate common to all of the light fixturesor a plurality of interconnected modular substrates, wherein at least aportion of the light fixtures is mounted to the surface in a generallyuneven configurations, wherein a horizontal distance and verticaldistance between a first light fixture and any adjacent light fixtureare approximately unequal; wherein the plurality of light fixturespresents a density ratio of light fixtures per unit area of the surface,positioning at least some of the light fixtures at a different angularorientation than other of the light fixtures, such that light emittedfrom said some of the light fixtures has a different angular orientationthan light emitted from said other of the light fixtures; assigninglighting characteristics to each light fixture so as to display theplurality of images; and coupling each light fixture to a centralprocessor operable to communicate control protocol to the light fixture.10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the irregularities areselected from the group consisting of windows, vents, lettering, andpipes.
 11. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein each light fixtureincludes at least one light emitting diode.
 12. The method as claimed inclaim 9, wherein a determination of where light fixtures can he mountedon the surface is dependent on a size and location of theirregularities.
 13. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein adetermination of where light fixtures can be mounted on the surface isdependent on whether the light fixtures can be mounted to theirregularities.
 14. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein adetermination of the optimal location of the light fixtures is dependenton whether the surface includes any existing structure that facilitatesmounting of the light fixtures to the surface.
 15. The method as claimedin claim 9, wherein the plurality of light fixtures is mounted directlyto the surface.
 16. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein theplurality of light fixtures is mounted to the surface via a mountingassembly.
 17. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the lightingcharacteristics assigned to each light fixture include a color and ananimation characteristic.
 18. The method as claimed in claim 9, whereina determination of the angular orientation of each light fixture isdependent on at least one preferred vantage point from which to view thedisplay.
 19. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein at least one ofthe plurality of images is video driven.
 20. The method as claimed inclaim 9, wherein the plurality of light fixtures are divided into aplurality of groups.
 21. The method as claimed in claim 20, wherein eachlight fixture of the group is further operable to communicate with anintelligent controller that is operable to interpret the controlprotocol communicated from the central processor.
 22. The method asclaimed in claim 20, wherein the light fixtures of each group areconnected in a star configuration to a protocol hub operable to directthe control protocol.
 23. An expanded bit map display (“EBMD”) formounting on a building surface having a plurality of irregularitiesassociated therewith, the EBMD operable to display a plurality of imageson the building surface for viewing from a distance, the EBMDcomprising: a plurality of light fixtures mounted to the buildingsurface without use of a substrate common to all of the light fixturesor a plurality of interconnected modular substrates, wherein theplurality of light fixtures is mounted to the building in an irregularconfiguration to accommodate the irregularities on the building surfaceso that, for at least a portion of the plurality of light fixtures, ahorizontal distance and a vertical distance between a first lightfixture and any adjacent light fixture are approximately unequal, suchthat the portion of the plurality of light fixtures is mounted to thesurface in a non-uniformly spaced configuration, wherein the pluralityof light fixtures presents a density ratio of light fixtures per unitarea of the building surface, and wherein a first portion of theplurality of light fixtures has a different angular orientation than asecond portion of the plurality of light fixtures, such that lightemitted from the first portion of the plurality of light fixtures isangled in a different direction that light emitted from the secondportion of the plurality of light fixtures.
 24. The EBMD as claimed inclaim 23, wherein when the EBMD is viewed from a distance, the aselected one of the plurality of images produced by the EBMD isgenerally uniform.
 25. The EBMD as claimed in claim 23, wherein eachlight fixture comprises a red, a blue, and a green LED that collectivelyform a pixel, the EBMD is comprised of the plurality of pixels, and thepixels collectively produce generally uniform images.
 26. The EBMD asclaimed in claim 23, wherein for at least some approximately equal sizedareas of the building surface having light fixtures mounted thereto, thedensity ratio of light fixtures within the areas is approximately equal.27. An expanded bit map display (“EBMD”) for mounting on a buildingsurface having a plurality of irregularities associated therewith, theEBMD operable to display a plurality of images on the building surfacefor viewing from a distance, wherein the viewed images are generallyuniform and visually blended, the EBMD comprising: a plurality of lightfixtures mounted to the building surface without use of a substratecommon to all of the light fixtures or a plurality of interconnectedmodular substrates, wherein the plurality of light fixtures presents adensity ratio of light fixtures per unit area of the building surface,wherein each light fixture represents an RBG pixel, wherein the pixelsare arranged in an irregular array to accommodate the irregularities onthe building surface so that, for at least a portion of the pixels, ahorizontal distance and a vertical distance between a first pixel andany adjacent pixel are approximately unequal, such that the portion ofthe pixels is in a non-uniformly spaced configuration, wherein adistance separating at least some adjacent pixels is at leastapproximately five times greater than a width of the pixel; and acentral processor operable to communicate control protocol to each lightfixture for production of the image.
 28. The EBMD as claimed in claim27, wherein a first portion of the plurality of light fixtures has adifferent angular orientation than a second portion of the plurality oflight fixtures, such that light emitted from the first portion of theplurality of light fixtures is angled in a different direction thatlight emitted from the second portion of the plurality of lightfixtures.
 29. The EBMD as claimed in claim 27, wherein the distanceseparating at least some adjacent pixels is at least approximately tentimes greater than the width of the pixel.
 30. The EBMD as claimed inclaim 27, wherein for any approximately equal sized areas of thebuilding surface having light fixtures mounted thereto, a density of themounted light fixtures within the areas is approximately equal.
 31. TheEBMD as claimed in claim 27, wherein the distance from which the imagesare viewed is greater than approximately 100 ft.
 32. The EBMD as claimedin claim 31, wherein an area of the EBMD is at least approximately 600ft².
 33. The EBMD as claimed in claim 32, wherein the density ratio oflight fixtures per unit area of the building surface is less than fourlight fixtures per ft².